Local singer Nick Nicholson's fan club continues growing

Wednesday

Mar 20, 2013 at 12:01 AMMar 20, 2013 at 1:19 PM

A year ago, Flagler Beach resident Lani Worthington started a fan club for local singer-songwriter Nick Nicholson, better known in the area as Capt. Nick. Since then, the club has grown to include more than 900 members.

BARBARA SALTERSTAFF WRITER

FLAGLER BEACH — A year ago, Flagler Beach resident Lani Worthington started a fan club for local singer-songwriter Nick Nicholson, better known in the area as Capt. Nick. Since then, the club has grown to include more than 900 members. And it all started with a "welcome back." Worthington and her husband, Don, had relocated to Flagler Beach and were struggling to make the small beach town their home. Although they loved Flagler Beach, they felt isolated — until the second time they heard Capt. Nick sing at the BeachHouse Beanery. The first time, they said they enjoyed his music but they didn't get a chance to speak with him, or anyone else. About a month later, they saw that he was performing at the Beanery again and decided to go. "Imagine our surprise when we opened the door of the Beanery and were greeted with a big smile and 'Welcome back' from Capt. Nick," said Worthington. "Oh my gosh, somebody really knew we lived in Flagler Beach — and was happy to see us! From that moment on, we were hooked." The Worthingtons began attending all of Capt. Nick's shows and got to know a few others who also enjoy Capt. Nick's blend of original Flagler Beach-flavored songs and established favorites by artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Zak Brown and Marshall Tucker. Worthington created an email list to keep everyone informed of where Capt. Nick would be playing. More and more people were added to the list and they'd meet up at different venues where Capt. Nick was performing. "Y'all have become my shipmates," Capt. Nick said one night. Maybe it was the rum. Maybe it was the noise level. But Worthington said she thought Capt. Nick had said "shipwrecks" — and so the Shipwrecks were born. In May, The News-Tribune ran an article about Capt. Nick and the Shipwrecks. There were almost 100 Shipwrecks then. Today, more than 900 people are "Shipwrecked" in Flagler Beach and don't want to be rescued. "About 90 percent of the Shipwrecks are locals or snowbirds," Worthington said. "The others live throughout the country or even other countries. They join so that when they do get back to the area, they know where to go for great music, fun, and friends." Worthington attributes the rapid growth of the fan club to three specific things: "First and most importantly, it's the unbelievable talent of Capt. Nick and the ability he has when singing to draw in the crowd. He sings from his heart to ours," she said. She said that she also talks to every single person at every show. "If they are Shipwrecks, I greet them and welcome them back. If they're not Shipwrecks, I introduce myself and tell them about Capt. Nick, Dana (Capt. Nick's wife, who plays percussion), the Shipwreck Fan Club, and I invite them to join us in the fun," she said. The third factor is the venue where Capt. Nick is playing. She said Capt. Nick only plays at places where his fan club will be welcome. Johnny D's is one place where Capt. Nick is a regular.

"Capt. Nick started playing here as soon as we opened," said John Davis, owner of the Flagler Beach eatery. "I've watched the Shipwrecks grow and grow and grow. It's a no-brainer. He always brings a bunch of people. I really enjoy him. In fact, I'm a member, too." Davis said from a business point of view, "it makes perfect sense. He fills the place." Capt. Nick also fills the BeachHouse Beanery whenever he performs there. Like Davis, owners Carol and Jeff Fisher are also Shipwrecks. They recently hosted the Shipwrecks' one-year anniversary party. "The Shipwrecks were pretty much born here," said Jeff Fisher. "In addition to being a great performer, Capt. Nick is a pleasant and generous man." The Beanery recently moved to its new location on Oceanshore Boulevard and Carol Fisher talked about how Capt. Nick helped with the move. "He's a good neighbor and a good friend," she said. "In fact, the Shipwrecks have been very supportive of us during the past few months. They're not only friends, they're really more like family." Jan Cate said she became a Shipwreck after hearing Capt. Nick and meeting the other Shipwrecks for the first time. "I joined today because it seems to be a lot of fun," she said. "I'm single and need to get out and meet some decent people. This is perfect for me." Codi Larson has been a Shipwreck since the beginning. "These people saved my life," she said. Larson described how Capt. Nick and the Shipwrecks helped keep her going after she was diagnosed with cancer. She has since been declared cancer free. "When I was in the hospital on the Fourth of July, Capt. Nick actually came and played music in my room. They've gone through everything with me," she said." I'm sure they're the reason I have a life. It doesn't matter what kind of cancer someone has. What matters is keeping your spirit up. I'm very proud to be a Shipwreck. They've become my friends." As for Capt. Nick, he says his rapidly expanding fan club keeps him motivated. "They've increased my confidence level and my creativity 100 percent. The Shipwrecks have provided the inspiration for many of my new songs," he said. "I'm humbled by their loyalty and their dependability."

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.